Which Side Is the Heart On, and Why Does It Sometimes Feel Like It's on the Right?

Question

I recently felt some discomfort in my chest, and it made me wonder—which side is the heart on, and why do some people feel heart-related symptoms on different sides?

From what I understand, the heart is located slightly to the left of the center of the chest, but I’ve heard that some people are born with their heart on the right side due to a rare condition called dextrocardia. How common is this condition, and does it affect heart function?

I also read that heart-related pain can sometimes be felt on the right side of the chest or even in the back or left arm. What are the reasons for this—does it have to do with nerve pathways, or could it be a sign of something serious like angina or a heart attack? What other symptoms should I look out for to know if chest discomfort is heart-related or caused by something else, like indigestion or anxiety?

Since I prefer natural ways to maintain heart health, I looked into Ayurveda’s approach to heart care. Are there Ayurvedic herbs, dietary habits, or breathing techniques that can help strengthen the heart and prevent cardiovascular issues? I found that Arjuna, garlic, and meditation are commonly recommended—do these actually help in keeping the heart strong and preventing heart disease?

For those who have experienced heart-related symptoms, what were the warning signs? Did you notice pain on a different side, and what tests helped confirm the issue? I’d love to hear real insights on recognizing and maintaining heart health effectively.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

The heart is generally located slightly to the left of the center of the chest, but in rare cases, some individuals are born with a condition called dextrocardia, where the heart is positioned on the right side. This condition is quite uncommon and doesn't always affect heart function, though it may require additional medical attention or monitoring. When it comes to chest pain, it can sometimes be felt on the right side, back, or left arm, which is often due to nerve pathways, as the heart and surrounding structures share similar nerve pathways that transmit pain signals to other areas of the body. This can also be a sign of angina or a heart attack, especially if accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating. However, chest discomfort can also stem from less serious causes like indigestion or anxiety. It’s important to be mindful of these symptoms and seek medical advice if you're concerned. In Ayurveda, herbs like Arjuna and garlic are often recommended to promote heart health due to their purported ability to support circulation and reduce cholesterol. Meditation is also encouraged to reduce stress and support overall cardiovascular function, helping to prevent heart disease naturally. For those who have experienced heart symptoms, recognizing warning signs such as persistent chest pain, dizziness, or unusual fatigue is key, and diagnostic tests such as ECG or blood tests can help confirm the issue.

Which Side Is the Heart On, and Why Does It Sometimes Feel Like It's on the Right? - #15914

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online